Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: iBIO Announces Panel Sessions for the 2008 iBIO Industry Expo & Marketplace (iBIO IndEx)

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Abstract:
The Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO) today announced the lineup of panel sessions at the 2008 iBIO Industry Expo & Marketplace (iBIO IndEx). The daylong conference will include interactive discussions on biomedical nanotechnology, renewable chemical replacements, food safety and hospital-acquired infections. The iBIO IndEx is February 20, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Chicago.

iBIO Announces Panel Sessions for the 2008 iBIO Industry Expo & Marketplace (iBIO IndEx)

Chicago, IL | Posted on February 13th, 2008

"The combination of world-class expertise and diverse topics make this the strongest collection of panel sessions we've ever offered at our annual conference," said iBIO President and CEO David Miller. "We are confident that these four sessions will appeal to members of our regional biotech community, and to those who want to learn more about the cutting-edge science occurring in the Midwest."

Below are brief descriptions of the four panel sessions. For more information on the panels, the participants and the conference, visit www.ibioindex.org.

Biomedical Nanotechnology. This workshop will present progress in nanodevices being developed for tissue engineering and organ development, bio-inspired materials for self-healing and repair, and nanoparticle-based molecular diagnostics and drug delivery systems. Representatives from Baxter, Nanotope and Nanosphere will present case studies.

Renewable Chemical Replacements. Increased interest in green technology and the desire to reduce our dependence on foreign oil has fueled Illinois-based research facilities and agricultural, industrial and environmental companies. Workshop participants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Argonne National Laboratory and Tate & Lyle will discuss research and commercialization of polymer products derived from renewable chemical replacements, and how organizations and societies can account for the increased demand of agricultural products needed for Industrial products, renewable fuels, and food.

Food Safety. Recent high-profile recalls regarding pathogens in fresh produce and meat, and contaminants in animal and human food, have triggered an evaluation of the safety of the American food supply. Representatives from the Illinois Institute of Technology's National Center for Food Safety and Technology, Sword Diagnostics, Silliker, Kraft and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will offer varied perspectives on the most significant food safety issues of the day.

Hospital-acquired Infections. Hospital-acquired infections infect as many as two million patients in the U.S. every year, with an annual financial burden that some experts estimate at more than $10 billion. Following a brief overview by the Director of Infection Control of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, experts from local companies Astellas Pharma, Baxter and Hospira will discuss their respective contributions in the battle against these often fatal infections.

Previously iBIO announced the meeting's keynote speakers: Dr. B. Joseph White, President, University of Illinois; Yoshihiko Hatanaka, President and CEO, Astellas US, LLC; and Dr. Paul A. Willems, Technology Vice President, Energy Biosciences, BP Group.

About iBIO IndEx

The 2008 iBIO IndEx is a unique opportunity for organizations in Illinois and the Midwest to interact in one location with representatives of academic centers of excellence; corporations representing human and animal healthcare, agriculture, environmental and industrial applications of biotechnology; and service providers in the scientific, business and legal sectors. In addition to the three keynote addresses and four interactive panel discussions, networking opportunities from the morning breakfast through the evening cocktail reception will be important components of the annual conference.

For more information, visit www.ibioindex.org

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About The Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO)
The Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO) champions biotechnology in Illinois and the surrounding Midwest region. Headquartered in Chicago, iBIO’s mission is to strengthen the leadership position of Illinois and the Midwest as a globally recognized center of medical, agricultural, industrial and environmental applications of biotechnology. With leaders from business, academia, and government, iBIO promotes the development and retention of new companies as well as corporate expansions. We also advocate sensible public policy at the local, state, and federal levels. To learn more about iBIO and its programs, visit www.ibio.org.

iBIO’s Leadership Sponsors are Abbott, Astellas Pharma US, Baxter International, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, and TAP Pharmaceutical Products.

Other Upcoming iBIO and Affiliated Events

2008 Midwest Venture Summit

March 17, 2008 – March 18, 2008 Chicago, IL

The Midwest Venture Summit is the only Midwest capital conference presented by Venture Capital firms. These VCs are seeking new investment opportunities and created a venue where companies at different stages of development can present their plans. This is the place to network with the most active VCs, attorneys and accountants that specialize in early stage companies and entrepreneurs.

Fifth Annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing

April 27 – 30, 2008 Chicago Hilton & Towers

The Fifth Annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing will provide a forum for interdisciplinary interaction and networking. The conference program features sessions on a diverse set of topics involving Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing.

2008 BIO International Convention

June 17, 2008 – June 20, 2008 San Diego, CA

The global event for biotechnology is a blend of international and domestic executives and management from research, business, academic and investment communities.